How to automatically rename files with same name when copying files

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  1. Posts : 456
    Windows 10
       #1

    How to automatically rename files with same name when copying files


    Hi, I would like to know if there is some registry hack or something that automatically renames files with the same name when copying or moving.

    For example you have folder with a file called banana.txt and then you copy another file called banana.txt to that folder and Windows would automatically rename the second file to banana (1).txt or banana (2).txt instead of showing the substitute or skip window:

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  2. Posts : 869
    Windows 10 Professional x64 21H2
       #2

    So when you Right Click & Drag your not getting the options box? Try going into File Explorer / View / Options "Restore Defaults"
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  3. Posts : 456
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    I get that option box my question is if can avoid it and instead make windows automatically rename the files to name (1).txt....
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  4. Posts : 869
    Windows 10 Professional x64 21H2
       #4

    I don't think there is a way the disable that. I've been looking for the last hour. Found a couple of options but no worth posting if it don't work. Hope someone ells jumps in.
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  5. Posts : 1,621
    Windows 10 Home
       #5

    I think one might have to use a 3rd party copier (and mover) such as TeraCopy. I think you only have to click Rename duplicates 1,2,3... once. Automatically? I do not know of any utility within or outside W10 that will do that without user input at least once.
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  6. Posts : 13,847
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #6

    A good part of the renaming is that a folder cannot contain 2 or more files of the exact same name, one has to be different by at least one character, same for subfolders and applies to the Copy and Move commands. And it works that way on all storage/operating/system drives. It has a lot to do with avoiding file corruption, especially with System files that could/will prevent the Operating System from working.
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  7. Posts : 2,487
    Windows 10 Home, 64-bit
       #7

    ricardobohner said:
    I get that option box my question is if can avoid it and instead make windows automatically rename the files to name (1).txt....
    At one time, that was the Windows default. You'd end up with banana, banana (1), banana (2) and so forth.

    It went away. The default was changed. Now, the second banana will overwrite the first banana. No more parentheses bananas.

    Happened a couple of years ago, going from memory.

    By design, I assume. In my case, I actually prefer the new default.
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  8. Posts : 56,804
    Multi-boot Windows 10/11 - RTM, RP, Beta, and Insider
       #8

    ignatzatsonic said:
    At one time, that was the Windows default. You'd end up with banana, banana (1), banana (2) and so forth.

    It went away. The default was changed. Now, the second banana will overwrite the first banana. No more parentheses bananas.

    Happened a couple of years ago, going from memory.

    By design, I assume. In my case, I actually prefer the new default.
    Seems to still be there.....

    choose both from and to, and it will () them. ad infinitum. Sadly, no Auto anything.



    How to automatically rename files with same name when copying files-2020-12-31_20h01_18.png

    How to automatically rename files with same name when copying files-2020-12-31_20h02_06.png
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  9. Posts : 2,487
    Windows 10 Home, 64-bit
       #9

    Tomcat;

    Yeah, I get the screen you show if I choose "compare" from the prior screen shown in the background.

    But.....if I recall correctly the prior screen used to have "compare" chosen as the default, in blue?

    In the recent past, the blue default on my PC is "replace", just as checkmarked in the background of your image.

    Maybe that's just Windows remembering what I tend to choose at that screen?

    I generally want to overwrite, so I just choose "replace". If I don't want to overwrite, I add a random character to the end of the file name to prevent the overwrite.....and then later move it wherever I want with the original name. Save as bananax, for instance.
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  10. Posts : 56,804
    Multi-boot Windows 10/11 - RTM, RP, Beta, and Insider
       #10

    ignatzatsonic said:
    Tomcat;

    Yeah, I get the screen you show if I choose "compare" from the prior screen shown in the background.

    But.....if I recall correctly the prior screen used to have "compare" chosen as the default, in blue?

    In the recent past, the blue default on my PC is "replace", just as checkmarked in the background of your image.

    Maybe that's just Windows remembering what I tend to choose at that screen?

    I generally want to overwrite, so I just choose "replace". If I don't want to overwrite, I add a random character to the end of the file name to prevent the overwrite.....and then later move it wherever I want with the original name. Save as bananax, for instance.
    You're correct. the default was the second "compare" screen. It did change, and I too don't recall when. I do recall it making me do a double take the first few times I ran into it.


    Happy New Year......
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